Is Jalen Hurts the Biggest "Bargain" in the NFL Right Now?

PHILADELPHIA — When Jalen Hurts signed his five-year, $255 million extension in 2023, many thought the Eagles were taking a bold — if not risky — leap. But two seasons later, that contract is looking more and more like one of the best-value deals in the league.

With quarterback salaries skyrocketing — Joe Burrow ($275M), Justin Herbert ($262.5M), Lamar Jackson ($260M) — Hurts’ annual average of $51 million now ranks just 5th among active QBs, despite his MVP-caliber performance and elite playoff record. And with the cap projected to climb further, Philly’s front office may have pulled off a financial masterclass.

Locked In, Loaded Up

The brilliance of Hurts’ deal isn’t just the number — it’s the structure. Thanks to Howie Roseman’s cap management, Hurts’ hit for 2025 is just $13.5M, giving the Eagles unmatched flexibility to stack the roster.

This allowed Philly to bring in key pieces like Saquon Barkley, re-sign core defenders, and still chase big-name trade targets — all while other teams struggle to pay their QB and build around him.

“We’re competing now, not rebuilding around a maxed-out QB deal,” an Eagles insider told ESPN. “That’s a luxury.”

Hurts’ ROI: Numbers Don’t Lie

• MVP runner-up (2022)

He’s not just worth the money — he’s overdelivering.

For fans of fantasy football sleepers 2025, Hurts is also a dual-threat machine who racks up touchdowns both in the air and on the ground. And for bettors, he’s consistently among the most reliable props for QB rushing scores — especially with the Eagles’ patented Tush Push.

A Warning to the League?

As new QBs enter the market — like Trevor Lawrence and Dak Prescott — Hurts’ deal will continue to look better by comparison. The Eagles, meanwhile, have their leader locked in through 2028 and a championship window wide open.

This may be the most team-friendly “superstar” deal since Patrick Mahomes’ 10-year contract in KC.

More to Read:

• NFL Super Bowl Odds 2025: Where the Eagles Stand After Offseason Moves